Almost 100 suspects have been arrested in a massive South West crackdown on illegal drugs and child exploitation. Operation Scorpion sees Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon & Cornwall, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire police forces unite to hit county lines dealers hard.
Operation Scorpion: Unified Force Against Crime
Joined by their Police and Crime Commissioners, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, and British Transport Police, the forces pooled their resources for a week-long blitz to disrupt drug networks and protect vulnerable youngsters. Armed raids, vehicle stops, and drones tracked down offenders, while officers seized drugs, cash, and weapons.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones even joined Wiltshire Police on a raid in Trowbridge, witnessing efforts against county lines trafficking firsthand. A man in his 30s was arrested for suspected Class A drug supply and is now on bail.
Staggering Stats: Drugs, Arrests, and Safeguards
- 92 people arrested across the South West
- 59 vulnerable individuals safeguarded
- £54,915 cash seized
- Over £446,000 worth of drugs confiscated
- 29 weapons taken off the streets, including knuckledusters, batons, and imitation firearms
Wiltshire alone saw:
- 26 arrests and 24 people safeguarded
- 52 “cuckooed” homes raided – properties hijacked by criminals for drug dealings
- £380,000 worth of drugs and £22,500 cash were seized
- 10 weapons recovered, including six fake firearms
Chief Warns: Wiltshire Is No Place for Drugs
“Our mission is clear: keeping Wiltshire safe by removing harmful drugs, targeting suppliers, and disrupting county lines networks,” said Assistant Chief Constable Liz Coles. “Protecting vulnerable people—especially children exploited by gangs—is our priority. This doesn’t end with one week. We’ll keep up the fight.”
Community Action: Schools, Hotels, and Social Media
Officers toured schools delivering 22 talks to nearly 1,000 students, raising awareness of the dangers of county lines and exploitation. They also checked 26 hotels, with 11 failing to spot signs of criminal activity, including child sexual exploitation. Vape tests found illegal drugs in two devices.
Social media campaigns targeted TikTok and Snapchat users, reaching young people where they’re most active online.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “This South West effort, led by Wiltshire, proves the power of local forces working smart. We’ll keep building partnerships to keep young people safe and informed.”
Spot the Signs: Protect Kids from Exploitation
Wiltshire Police urge families to watch for red flags like:
- Frequent missing episodes from home or school
- Unexplained cash, designer clothes, gadgets
- Multiple mobile phones
- Shoplifting or theft
- Relationships with older individuals
- Carrying weapons
- Sudden emotional changes or withdrawal
See Something? Say Something!
Got info on drug crime? Report it online, call 101, or dial 999 in emergencies. Prefer to remain anonymous? Contact CrimeStoppers 24/7 at 0800 555 111 or use their anonymous online form.
